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1. There are many advantages to buying goods and services online compared to conventional ("bricks and mortar") stores. Name one.
2. There are many products that people often prefer these days to buy online instead of in stores. Name one. Have you ever bought this item online? Why or why not?
3. There are many famous eCommerce websites. Name one. What do you know about this store/site? Do you use that store/site? Why?
4. When was the last time you bought something good online (goods or services - either is OK)? Why were you so pleased?
5. When was the last time you bought something online that you regret buying (goods or services - either is OK)? What happened?
6. Some people say that eCommerce is terrific, because it saves people time and money. Others say eCommerce is terrible because it stifles competition, underpays employees and destroys small businesses. What do you think - terrific or terrible?

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Question 1

Mercari. My wife uses this application almost every day. She enjoys finding good deals on used products online. I remember when I first moved to Japan people weren't into buying used items, but I think it's becoming more popular. There is "2nd Street Clothing" shop down the street from English-Please. I think using the internet has increased networking, and buying second hand products.

Question 2

I think people prefer buying electronic items online. A television for example. They usually have free delivery and a television is quite a big box. Yes, we recently purchased a Sharp 50" Television online. They delivered it for free, and set it up. It was very easy.

Question 3

Amazon. I know that Amazon is the largest eCommerce websites in the world. It's founder and CEO Jeff Bezos is the wealthiest person in the world. My wife shops on Amazon often. The amazon logo smile, points from A to Z. Meaning that they have all products from A-Z. Clever. I don't have a credit card, so I cannot shop online in Japan.

Question 4

I recently bought some pepper seeds from America. I have been growing them in my greenhouse. They are growing quickly. I'm happy with the product. It is difficult to find fresh spicy peppers in Japan. So, I grow my own.

Question 5

I bought a replacement hard drive for my Apple Macbook computer. It woked for two weeks and then the hard drive failed again. I shouldn't have bought a used hard drive. My wife used an American Express credit card. So I was reimbursed through the insurance. Phew!

Question 6

Ahhhhhhhhh! Difficult question. I think a little bit of both. I usually shop at local markets in the open market, and local farms. When I lived in Osaka, I always shopped in the Shotengi's, Komogawa was my favorite. In Nara, I shop at local farms to support local businesses. However, there are many things that I cannot get at brick and mortar stores. So, I have to shop online sometimes.

Tough Vocabulary

- English -	- Japanese -
reimburse	払い戻す
spicy peppers	スパイシーピーマン
used products	中古品 Chūko-hin